View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Cork
Explore 10 of the best be ...
10 of the best beaches in Cork
  • Free things to do
  • Coastal escapes
  • Family fun
  • Romantic
  • The great outdoors
View of Inchydoney Strand with bright green grass, blue sky with some clouds, and the Atlantic ocean lapping at the sand.
Head to Inchydoney Beach for a day of fun.
From long sandy strands backed by sand dunes to those with rock pools made for exploring, Cork is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Whether you're looking for a place to lay out in the sun all day, play with the family in the sand and water, try your hand at water activities or walk along the shore, you have your pick.

Here are ten of the best beaches in Cork.

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
  • 4.
  • 5.
  • 6.
  • 7.
  • 8.
  • 9.
  • 10.
1Youghal Front Strand

Youghal Front Strand Beach is located in Youghal, County Cork. It has great facilities and is very popular with locals for walking.

Sea views of Youghal Front Strand Beach at low tide
Youghal Front Strand
Youghal Front Strand
Youghal, Co. Cork
2Youghal, Claycastle

Youghal, Claycastle Beach is located near the heritage walled town of Youghal in County Cork. It is an ideal spot for walking, swimming and relaxing. It is very popular with residents and visitors alike.

 A view of Youghal Claycastle Beach on a summer's day
Youghal, Claycastle
Youghal, Claycastle
Youghal, Co. Cork
3Garryvoe Beach

Garryvoe Beach is a pebble beach located in the village on Garryvoe in County Cork. It is a popular beach with families and has a playground nearby.

Couple walking on Garryvoe Beach
Garryvoe Beach
Garryvoe Beach
Garryvoe, Co. Cork
4Garrylucas, White Strand

Garrylucas, White Strand is a sandy beach located at the Old Head of Kinsale, in County Cork. It has sand dunes in places and there is a public car park and toilet facilities available.

A man kayaking at Garrylucas White Strand beach
Garrylucas, White Strand
Garrylucas, White Strand
Kinsale, Co. Cork
5Garrettstown

Garretstown Beach is an expansive sandy beach located along the coast of County Cork. It has stunning views of the Old Head of Kinsale and is a great place for walking, bathing and swimming.

Two people surfing the big waves at Garrettstown
Garrettstown
Garrettstown
Garrettstown, Co. Cork
6Inchydoney East Beach

From high grassy sand dunes to coarse, rocky cliff faces, Inchydoney East Beach on the small island of Inchydoney in County Cork boasts a variety of stunning landscapes.

Views of Inchydoney Beach
Inchydoney East Beach
Inchydoney East Beach
Inchydoney, Co. Cork
7Inchydoney West Beach

Discover beautiful Inchydoney West Beach, just a 10 minute drive from the charming town of Clonakilty in West Cork. Walk along its expansive golden strand and swim in the shimmering blue water.

Beach views of Inchydoney Beach
Inchydoney West Beach
Inchydoney West Beach
Inchydoney, Co. Cork
8Warren Beach

Warren Beach is a small, rural sandy beach located at the mouth of Rosscarbery River in County Cork.

Warren Beach
Warren Beach
Warren Beach
Rosscarbery, Co. Cork
9Tragumna

Tragumna Beach is a small, scenic, sheltered, sandy beach located in Skibbereen, County Cork.

Sea views at Tragumna beach
Tragumna
Tragumna
Skibbereen, Co. Cork
10Barley Cove

Escape to the beautiful strands of Barley Cove in West Cork and enjoy a family fun day on the beach.

A view of Barley Cove sandy beach sea and surrounding hills
Barley Cove
Barley Cove
Barley Cove, Co. Cork
Explore Cork City

After exploring the gorgeous beaches throughout Cork, pay a visit to buzzing Cork City.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results